Definitions

lack

[lak] / læk /

NOUN

deficiency, need

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absence dearth inadequacy loss paucity poverty reduction scarcity shortage shortcoming shortfall

STRONG

abridgement curtailment decrease default defect deficit depletion deprivation destitution distress exigency exiguity inferiority insufficiency meagerness miss necessity privation retrenchment scantiness shortness shrinkage shrinking slightness stint want

WEAK

insufficience

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abundance affluence enough excess plenty success sufficiency

STRONG

addition advantage enlargement expansion increase perfection

WEAK

extra lot plethora profusion surplus

VERB

do not have

Synonyms

STRONGEST

need require want

STRONG

minus miss out

WEAK

be deficient in be short of be without have need of hurting for not got too little too late

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dislike have

Usage

What are other ways to say lack? The verb lack means to be without or to have less than a desirable quantity of something: to lack courage, sufficient money, enough members to make a quorum. Need often suggests urgency, stressing the necessity of supplying what is lacking: to need an operation, better food, a match to light the fire. Require, which expresses necessity as strongly as need, occurs most frequently in serious or formal contexts: Your presence at the hearing is required. Successful experimentation requires careful attention to detail.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And she warned those supplying the products, some of whom do not know they are illegal, that "a lack of awareness is not a defence".

From BBC

That's because for many Indian exporters, especially small companies, the burden of paperwork, audit risks and a lack of understanding of FTA provisions often outweigh tariff benefits.

From BBC

"We finished the first half badly, we tried to sort things out but we lacked personality and character," added the 66-year-old.

From Barron's

Critics say Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. would give the streaming giant too much control over Hollywood production, which is already under pressure from the streaming revolution and Netflix's lack of commitment to theatrical releases.

From Barron's

Still, a lack of quick fixes is a concern.

From Barron's

lack

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words